Icelandair is Iceland's national carrier, and it specialises in four self-described markets: to Iceland, from Iceland, via Iceland and within Iceland. In essence, the airline connects approximately 15 destinations in North America with some 30 destinations across Europe via Iceland, as well as flying domestically within Iceland and to nearby Greenland. Of course, many passengers make Iceland their final destination rather than a layover spot, too!
Seats & legroom on Icelandair
Icelandair offers flights in Saga Premium and Economy classes. The exception is the airline's De Havilland Canada (DHC) aircraft, used only on domestic flights and flights to Greenland, as they do not have Saga Premium seats. These are all-Economy aircraft. But for medium-haul and long-haul international flights, Saga Premium is an option.
Saga Premium
Saga Premium is Icelandair's top cabin. These seats are more spacious and have extra recline capability compared to Economy, but they are not lie-flat beds. The seat pitch ranges from 40 to 42 inches depending on the aircraft, and they are arranged in a 2-2 or 2-1-2 layout, so every seat is either an aisle or a window.
Saga Premium tickets include Saga Lounge access at Keflavik, two checked bags weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kg) each, complimentary meals and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as free Wi-Fi (where available) for two devices. All of these perks are available for purchase if you're flying in the Economy cabin, except for lounge access.
Economy
Most of Icelandair's fleet has an Economy Class with a 3-3 layout, though domestic flights and flights to Greenland on DHC aircraft have a 2-2 layout, and the Boeing 767 has a 2-3-2 layout.
The seats have a minimum of 31 inches of pitch (or 30 inches on DHC aircraft), but on certain aircraft, you can select extra legroom seats that have up to 40 inches of pitch. These extra legroom seats are located in the front of the Economy cabin or the exit rows.
Fare classes on Icelandair
Icelandair planes are usually split into two cabin classes, but these are split further into various fare classes, each with different benefits for different prices. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the cheaper fares come with fewer perks, while the more expensive fares have the most perks, including the potential for full refunds.
Saga Premium
There are two types of Saga Premium fares: Saga Premium and Saga Premium Flex. The only differences are that the Flex fare is refundable, it waives change fees (though you'll still be responsible for any fare differences) and it includes two cabin bags instead of one. For these benefits, you'll pay a higher fare.
Economy
The Economy cabin has three fare classes: Economy Light, Economy Standard and Economy Flex. Economy Light is akin to Basic Economy on other airlines, as it's a rather pared-back fare class. While it does include hand luggage and non-alcoholic beverages, seat selection and meals are only available for extra fees. Also, Economy Light fares cannot be changed.
Economy Standard includes everything covered by Economy Light plus a checked bag weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kg) and free seat selection in the middle or at the back of the plane. Economy Flex includes all of the above, with the bonus of choosing a seat anywhere in the Economy cabin, waived change fees and possible refunds. I'm most impressed by the included checked bags, as this is a fairly rare occurrence.
Bidding on upgrades
If you want to score an upgrade at a discounted rate, you can bid on upgrades via the Class Up programme, pending availability. Ten days before your flight, Icelandair will email you with the option to place a bid for a Saga Premium seat. You'll be notified of an upgrade at least a day before your flight. In my case, I was notified nearly a week before my flight.
How to check in
Icelandair offers various ways to check in for your flight. The easiest way is to check in online starting 24 hours before departure, which you can do via the mobile app or the website. Alternatively, you can check in at the airport either via the check-in desk or a self-service kiosk (where available).
Check-in queues are split between Premium and Economy desks; the former is available to those flying in Saga Premium or those who hold certain Icelandair co-branded credit cards. In general, I've found the queues fairly short at most airports, since most only have a single Icelandair flight departing at a time. But at Keflavik Airport (KEF) in Iceland, the queues can get much longer, since it is the airline's hub.
At Keflavik Airport, Icelandair may allow you to check your bag the night before your flight if you have an early morning departure. This way, you can skip the queues in the morning and proceed directly to security. When I was there, evening check-in ran from 7 to 9 p.m., but you should check with the airline for up-to-date information regarding your upcoming flight.
Boarding zones
I find Icelandair's boarding process to vary depending on the airport. Saga Premium passengers will always board first, and after that, it depends on the whims of the gate agent. In some cases, the Economy cabin will board as one group, while in others, the cabin will board by rows. Listen closely to boarding announcements to find out when to board.
Amenities & entertainment
Saga Premium passengers on flights to or from North America are given an amenity kit with an eye mask, ear plugs, socks, a dental kit, lip balm and hand cream. These are not offered on flights to or from Europe, which tend to be shorter than the North American routes.
Though most Icelandair planes are equipped with in-flight entertainment systems, the selection is a bit limited. While there are new releases and classic films available, I found myself gravitating towards Icelandic films and shows. There is also Icelandic music available to listen to, but bring your own headphones, as the ones onboard cost extra for Economy passengers (but are included for Saga Premium passengers).
Wi-Fi connection
Most but not all of Icelandair's fleet is Wi-Fi enabled. Wi-Fi is free for Saga Premium passengers, while Economy passengers can purchase a pass. When I bid for and received an upgrade to Saga Premium, however, that upgrade did not include free Wi-Fi. The perk may be limited to those who purchase Saga Premium outright. Overall, I find the network to be a little hit-or-miss, depending on where you're flying.
Loyalty programme & miles
Icelandair's loyalty programme is called Saga Club. If you sign up for a free membership, you'll earn Saga Points for spending money (on airfare, on onboard meals, with partners or on an Icelandair credit card) that can be redeemed for Icelandair flights, upgrades to Saga Premium or travel through hotel and car hire partners.
Saga Club tiers include Blue, Silver and Gold, with the best perks kicking in at Silver and Gold. As a Saga Silver member, you'll receive lounge access, additional baggage allowance and one free upgrade to Saga Premium per year. Saga Gold members receive those benefits plus unlimited upgrades, fast track at eligible airports and free parking at Keflavik Airport for up to seven days.
It's really only worth signing up for Saga Club if you fly on Icelandair regularly. Generally speaking, that's probably only people who live in Iceland. Otherwise, you can credit Icelandair flights to partner airline loyalty programmes, including Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Finnair. Just be sure to select these options on your booking, or ask an airline representative to help you do so.
Credit cards
Icelandair has nearly 30 co-branded credit cards with various Icelandic banks. Each of these cards earns Saga Points with each purchase, and some cards grant access to the Saga Lounge at Keflavik Airport and Saga Premium check-in access. As with the Saga Club, these cards are only practical for those who fly Icelandair regularly.
Stopover programme
Icelandair offers a stopover programme to promote tourism in Iceland. That means that if you're flying between Europe and North America, you can extend your layover for up to a week without charge. You can book your Iceland activities and travel on your own, or you can tap into Icelandair's partnerships.
Even extending by just a day can be worth it, as you can book an airport hotel to get a good night's sleep, potentially see the northern lights or visit nearby attractions like the Blue Lagoon. Or, if you're really lucky, you might be able to see humpback whales.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up to date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
